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 Newsroom GTNZ Waraikei Open 2006 Golf Tour New Zealand, buoyed today with the active support of US Open champion Michael Campbell, have announced a new tournament to their schedule. The $40,000 GTNZ Wairakei Open will be the first qualifying tournament for the new Michael Campbell Scholarship announced today by the US Open champion on the eve of his defence of the title. The scholarship, announced by Campbell as part of his new Michael Campbell Foundation, will be awarded annually for participants on the GTNZ Tour. There will be three scholarships awarded annually for the best male and female player with five years of less experience as a professional, with the third scholarship to be at the discretion of the advisory board. Recipients will spend a dedicated week in Florida with Campbell and his coach Jonathon Yarwood and a range of other benefits to be released. The scholarships begin with the Wairakei tournament on 14-17 September on one of New Zealand's premier golf courses, which is the third GTNZ event following the Olex Taranaki Open and Carrus Tauranga Open. GTNZ was established by highly successful New Zealand golfer Greg Turner to provide opportunities for young New Zealand professionals and to raise the bar for the leading amateurs, both men and women. It also forms a key part of Turner's Wedge Programme, a high performance programme to develop our best amateurs into successful professionals. The Michael Campbell Foundation will also assist the establishment of this programme, which the Kiwi golfer believes is a role he can play in helping develop the game in New Zealand. "I'm proud of my indigenous culture, my country and the opportunities it has provided me," Campbell said today. "This is what keeps my feet on the ground. Given my position, I have the ability to raise people's spirits, make them feel good about themselves, give them hope for the future and that is what the Michael Campbell Foundation will be all about. I am delighted to be in a position where I can reach out and offer them help." Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, was delighted to hear of Michael's plans; "Michael Campbell's US Open win last year was one of New Zealand's greatest sporting achievements. It was a triumph of immense skill, determination, and perseverance. The victory and manner in which it was achieved was a source of great pride for our country. I welcome the news that Michael is to establish a new entity to generate and distribute money to his charitable interests. This is consistent with his goals to help, inspire, and motivate young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds." Turner said the active support from Campbell and the addition of Wairakei is a real fillip for the Tour. "We are delighted to be announcing a new event on our schedule at the same time that Michael Campbell embarks on the defence of his US Open crown," Turner said. "If we are to produce more world class performances a strong domestic playing schedule is vital - and this is something Michael very much agrees with. Not only must the events include all of our best players but they need to be held on our best courses. Wairakei International is one of the few world class venues in New Zealand so we are delighted that the owners have shared our vision." Turner believes the Tour is gathering momentum with the incentive from Campbell and the addition of venues like Wairakei will act as a tangible catalyst. Wairakei International managing director Gary Lane said his company offered the use of the course and to promote the event as part of their responsibility to grow the game in New Zealand. "We're delighted to be part of paving the way for more Kiwis to excel on the international arena," Mr Lane said. "We believe in the philosophy behind GTNZ and are sure Wairakei will provide the ideal environment for a great event." Turner said he hopes to confirm details of the third Olex Taranaki Open to follow the Wairakei event, and is confident of adding further tournaments to the GTNZ schedule in the near future. For further information about Campbell's press conference today with audio and transcriptions: For interviews contact: For further information: |
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